Thermal storage device

ABSTRACT

To provide an indicator for indicating current amounts and predicted amounts of cold energy and heat energy stored in a thermal storing device. 
     The thermal storage device storing and outputting heat energy and cold energy, comprises: a thermal storage amount indicating means for detecting and indicating a storage amount of the heat energy or the cold energy; a thermal output amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an output amount of the heat energy or the cold energy and a thermal input amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an amount of the heat energy or the cold energy inputted from outside to be stored.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a thermal storage device capable of storing heat energy and cold energy, and outputting the stored heat energy and the cold energy.

BACKGROUND ART

A compression heat pump used in a vehicle is well known in the art, and the heat pump is driven by an internal combustion engine or a motor as a prime mover for running the vehicle. In case a large power is required for running the vehicle, the power available for driving the heat pump has to be restricted. To the contrary, in case the required power for running the vehicle is small, large amount of power is available for driving the heat pump. Such change in the required power for running the vehicle and the required power for driving the heat pump do not always correspond with each other. Therefore, in case a surplus power is available, it is preferable to drive the heat pump by the surplus power for the purpose of storing the obtained heat or cold.

As a result, the surplus power of the prime mover can be recovered in the form of stored heat or cold. In case the power is insufficient to drive the heat pump to carry out a cooling or heating, the heat or cold stored into a heat storage material can be used for carrying out a cooling or heating. Moreover, according to this kind of configuration, the heat radiated from a condenser of a refrigeration cycle can be recovered. Therefore, energy efficiency can be enhanced so that the fuel economy of the vehicle is improved.

An amount of the heat stored in the heat storage material is increased by recovering the heat generated by the heat pump and the heat radiated from the condenser of a refrigeration cycle, and the heat stored in the heat storage material is consumed as a result of being used for carrying out a heating and a cooling. In order to indicate an amount of heat accumulation, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-309121 discloses a latent heat accumulating device to be arranged on a coolant circuit for an engine, which is capable of indicating the heat accumulation through a LED display while measuring the heat accumulation.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-247706 discloses a driving state indicating device for hybrid vehicle. In the hybrid vehicle to which the invention of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-247706 is applied, power is transmitted between an engine and a front tire, between a front motor and the front tire, between front motor and a battery, and between a rear motor and a rear tire. According to the driving state indicating device taught by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-247706, each flow of energy being transmitted is indicated in an indicating means.

As described, the LED display taught by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-309121 indicates the heat accumulation of the latent heat accumulating device. Therefore, a user of the latent heat accumulating device can see an amount of the heat accumulation. However, the user cannot recognize a quantity of the heat applied to the latent heat accumulating device, a quantity of the heat radiated from the latent heat accumulating device, or a quantity of the heat exchanged between a heat accumulating part and a cold accumulating part of the latent heat accumulating device. In other words, the user of the latent heat accumulating device cannot acknowledge increase and decrease of the heat accumulation, and the quantity of the heat exchanged between the heat accumulating part and the cold accumulating part.

As also described, the indicating means taught by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-247706 indicates an amount of the energy transmitted between a driving device such as the engine, the front motor, the rear motor and the battery, and a driven part such as the front tire and the rear tire. Therefore, a driver of the vehicle can confirm which drive unit is being used to run the vehicle.

However, the indicating means taught by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-247706 merely indicates current status of the power being inputted and outputted. Therefore, the driver cannot acknowledge whether or not required amount of thermal energy is stored.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been conceived noting the technical problems thus far described, and its object is to provide a thermal storage device capable of indicating a current amount of heat energy and cold energy stored in the thermal storage device, and a prediction of a change in the amount of the heat energy and cold energy stored in the thermal storage device.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, there is provided a thermal storage device capable of storing and outputting heat energy and cold energy, characterized by comprising: a thermal storage amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an amount of stored heat energy or cold energy; a thermal output amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an output amount of the heat energy or the cold energy; and a thermal input amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an amount of heat energy or cold energy inputted from outside to be stored.

The thermal storage device of the present invention further comprises: a heat storage portion for storing the heat energy; a cold storage portion for storing the cold energy; and a thermal exchange amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an amount of the heat energy or the cold energy exchanged between the heat storage portion and the cold storage portion.

The thermal storage device of the present invention further comprises: an output part for outputting contents to be indicated by the thermal storage amount notifying means, the thermal output amount notifying means and the thermal input amount notifying means visually, aurally or electrically.

The thermal storage device of the present invention further comprises a thermal output means for outputting the stored heat energy or cold energy while converting into electric energy. According to the thermal storage device of the present invention, the thermal output amount indicating means includes a means for indicating an amount of the heat energy or cold energy converted into the electric energy by the thermal output means.

The thermal storage device of the present invention further comprises a thermal input means converting electric energy inputted thereto into thermal energy. According to the thermal storage device of the present invention, the thermal input amount indicating means includes a means for indicating an amount of converting the electric energy into the thermal energy by the thermal input means.

In addition, according to of the present invention, thermal exchange takes place between the heat storage portion and the cold storage portion as a result of applying electric energy to the thermal input means, the electric energy includes electric energy stored in an electric storage device, and the thermal storage device further comprises an electric storage amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an amount of electric power stored in the electric storage device.

According to the thermal storage device of the present invention, at least any one of the thermal storage amount indicating means, the thermal output amount indicating means, the thermal input amount indicating means and the thermal exchange amount indicating means includes a means for predicting an amount of generation of heat energy and cold energy, consumption of the heat energy and the cold energy, or a difference between the generation and the consumption under an anticipated driving condition of a vehicle to indicate a prediction result.

Likewise, the electric storage amount notifying means includes a means for predicting an amount of electric energy stored into the electric storage device or a difference between a stored amount and consumption of the electric energy under an anticipated driving condition of a vehicle to indicate a prediction result.

According to the present invention, the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy being stored in the thermal storage device, the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy outputted from the thermal storage device, and the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy inputted from outside to be stored are thus detected to be indicated. Therefore, the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy being stored in the thermal storage device, the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy being inputted into the thermal storage device, and the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy being outputted from the thermal storage device can be acknowledged.

The thermal storage device of the present invention comprises the heat storage portion for storing the heat energy and the cold storage portion for storing the cold energy, and the heat energy and the cold energy are exchanged between the heat storage portion and the cold storage portion. The amount of the exchanged heat energy and cold energy are detected and indicated. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned advantage, an amount of the exchanged heat energy and the cold energy stored in the thermal storage device can be acknowledged.

According to the present invention, the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy being stored in the thermal storage device, the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy outputted from the thermal storage device, and the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy inputted from outside to be stored in the thermal storage device are indicated visually, aurally or in the form of an electric signal. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned advantage, the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy being stored in the thermal storage device, the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy being inputted into the thermal storage device, and the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy being outputted from the thermal storage device can be acknowledged visually or aurally.

As described, according to the present invention, the heat energy and the cold energy stored in the thermal storage device are converted into electric energy, and the electric energy thus converted is detected to be indicated. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned advantage, the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy being stored in the thermal storage device, the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy being inputted into the thermal storage device, and the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy being outputted from the thermal storage device can be acknowledged by detecting the electric energy.

Moreover, the thermal storage device of the present invention comprises the thermal input means for converting electric energy inputted thereto into heat energy or cold energy, and an amount of the heat energy or cold energy thus converted is indicated. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned advantage, the amount of converting the electric energy into thermal energy can be acknowledged easily.

As also described, according to the present invention, the heat energy and the cold energy are exchanged between the heat storage portion and the cold storage portion by applying electric energy to the thermal input means. The electric energy is applied to the thermal input means from the electric storage device, and the amount of the electric energy stored in the electric storage device is detected to be indicated. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned advantage, the amount of the electric energy stored in the electric storage device as well as a used amount of the electric energy can be acknowledged.

In case the thermal storage device of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle, the generation amount of the heat energy to be stored into the thermal storage device and the amount of the stored heat energy to be consumed, the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy to be inputted into the thermal storage device and the amount of the heat energy or the cold energy to be outputted from the thermal storage device, or the amount of the heat energy and the cold energy to be exchanged in the thermal storage device, are predicted on the basis of the anticipated driving condition of the vehicle and indicated. Therefore, in addition to the above-explained advantages, the prediction result can be acknowledged.

Likewise, the amount of the electric energy to be stored into the thermal storage device or the amount of the electric energy to be consumed is predicted to be indicated. Therefore, in addition to the above-explained advantages, the stored amount of the electric energy and the consumption of the electric energy can be acknowledged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing a flow of thermal energy and transmission of electric energy according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an indication procedure and a control procedure of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial flowchart explaining the indication procedure shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partial flowchart explaining the indication procedure shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is another block diagram schematically showing an indication procedure and a control procedure of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing an indicator indicating an amount of the thermal energy or electric energy.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart explaining the indication procedure shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an example of a map used to predict the amount of the thermal energy or electric energy.

FIG. 9 is an example of a map used to predict the amount of the thermal energy or electric energy.

FIG. 10 is another block diagram schematically showing an indication procedure and a control procedure of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view schematically showing a switch for selecting a control mode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining the indication procedure shown in FIG. 10.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Flows of thermal energy flowing into thermal storage devices 1 a and 1 b, flows of the thermal energy flowing out of the thermal storage devices 1 a and 1 b, and a flow of the thermal energy being converted between the thermal storage devices 1 a and 1 b are shown in FIG. 1. The thermal storage device 1 a serves as a cold storage device, and the thermal storage device 1 b serves as a heat storage device. Here, the aforementioned energy includes electric energy and thermal energy. Flow of the electric energy and thermal energy will be explained hereafter.

A cold storage material not shown is held in the thermal storage device 1 a to store cold energy therein, and a heat storage material not shown is held in the thermal storage device 1 a to store heat energy therein. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 a represents a cold storage amount, and reference numeral 2 b represents a heat storage amount. The cold storage amount 2 a can be obtained by measuring a temperature of the cold storage material, or by observing an amount of the cold energy flowing into the thermal storage device 1 a or flowing out of the thermal storage device 1 a. Likewise, the heat storage amount 2 b can be obtained by measuring a temperature of the heat storage material, or by observing an amount of the heat energy flowing into the thermal storage device 1 b or flowing out of the thermal storage device 1 b. Here, a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple can be used for such temperature measurement.

As described, a cold energy inflows into the cold storage material in thermal storage device 1 a. In this example, the cold energy is generated by driving a cold energy generating device 3 a of a cooling cycle for cooling an object, i.e., for cooling the air. Also, a cold energy generated by a thermoelectric converter for converting thermal energy between electric energy bilaterally inflows into the cold storage material. Specifically, thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c capable of achieving Seebeck effect and Peltire effect are employed as the thermoelectric converter.

The thermoelectric element 4 a generates electric energy utilizing a temperature difference between external air and the stored cold energy, and thermal energy is generated by applying a voltage to an electrode of the thermoelectric element 4 a. The thermal energy, i.e., a cold energy generated as a result of applying a voltage to the thermoelectric element 4 a flows into the cold storage material in the thermal storage device 1 a. The cold energy stored in the cold storage material outflows partially toward a cooling object 5 a where the cold energy is consumed.

On the other hand, a heat energy inflows into the heat storage material in the thermal storage device 1 b. In this example, the heat energy is generated by driving a heat energy generating device 3 b of a heating cycle for raising a temperature of an object, i.e., for heating the air. Also, a heat energy generated by the thermoelectric element 4 b for converting thermal energy between electric energy bilaterally inflows into the heat storage material. Here, the thermoelectric element 4 b generates electric energy utilizing a temperature difference between external air and the stored heat energy, and thermal energy is generated by applying a voltage to an electrode of the thermoelectric element 4 b.

The heat energy generated as a result of applying a voltage to the thermoelectric element 4 b flows into the heat storage material in the thermal storage device 1 b. In addition, a heat energy from a hot member 6 such as an engine and transmission oil is transported to the thermal storage device 1 b by a thermal transport medium, and the heat energy stored in the heat storage material is partially transported by the thermal transport medium to a heating object 5 b where the heat energy is consumed.

Thus, the heat energy generated by the heat energy generating device 3 b, the thermal energy generated by the thermoelectric element 4 b, and the heat energy from the hot member 6 flow into the heat storage material. An amount of the heat energies flowing into the heat storage material in the thermal storage device 1 b is detected by the sensor and indicated.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 7 a represents a recovered amount of the cold energy flowing into the thermal storage device 1 a from the cold energy generating device 3 a. The recovered amount 7 a is obtained by measuring a temperature and a flow rate of the cold energy sequentially, and calculating variations of the temperature and the flow rate of the cold energy per unit of time. As shown in FIG. 1, the cold energy generated by the cold energy generating device 3 a, and the cold energy generated by the thermoelectric converter flow into the cold storage material in the thermal storage device 1 a. An amount of the cold energis flowing into the cold storage material in the thermal storage device 1 a is detected by the sensor and indicated.

On the other hand, reference numeral 7 b in FIG. 1 represents a recovered amount of the heat energy flowing into the thermal storage device 1 b from the heat energy generating device 3 b. The recovered amount 7 b is obtained by measuring a temperature and a flow rate of the heat energy sequentially, and calculating variations of the temperature and the flow rate of the heat energy per unit of time. Here, the temperatures of the clod energy and the heat energy are measured by a measuring device such as a thermocouple. The measured amount the heat energy is indicated as the recovered amount 7 b. Therefore, the user of the thermal storage device 1 b can confirm an amount of the heat energy flowing into the heat storage material in the thermal storage device 1 b from the heat energy generating device 3 b.

As described, the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c generate heat energy as a result of applying a voltage to the electrodes thereof not shown. Specifically, electric energy generated by a photovoltaic generator 8, electric energy generated by another thermoelectric element 4 b, and electric energy stored in the electric storage device 9 are supplied to the thermoelectric elements 4 a, and a total of those electric energy is represented as an energy feeding amount 10 a in FIG. 1. On the other hand, the electric energy generated by a photovoltaic generator 8, the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric element 4 a, and the electric energy stored in the electric storage device 9 are supplied to the thermoelectric elements 4 b, and a total of those electric energies is represented as an energy feeding amount 10 b in FIG. 1.

The above-mentioned energy feeding amounts 10 a and 10 b can be obtained by measuring a current value and a voltage value. Therefore, the user of the thermoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b can confirm the feeding amounts 10 a and 10 b of the electric energies being supplied to the thermoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 12 a represents a recycling amount of the cold energy flowing into the cold storage material in the thermal storage device 1 a from the thermoelectric element 4 a. The recycling amount 12 a can be obtained by measuring physical values of the cold energy such as a temperature and a flow rate thereof sequentially, and calculating variations of the cold energy per unit of time. On the other hand, reference numeral 12 b in FIG. 1 represents a recycling amount of the heat energy flowing into the heat storage material in the thermal storage device 1 b from the thermoelectric element 4 b. The recycling amount 12 b can be obtained by measuring physical values of the heat energy such as a temperature and a flow rate thereof sequentially, and calculating variations of the heat energy per unit of time. Therefore, the amount of the thermal energy generated by applying a voltage to the thermoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b can be acknowledged.

The cold energy stored in the cold storage material of the thermal storage device 1 a flows out toward the cooling object 5 a. On the other hand, the heat energy stored in the heat storage material of the thermal storage device 1 b flows out toward the heating object 5 b. The cooling object includes a vehicle interior, air intake, and other object to be cooled. A demand for the cold energy increases especially in summer for cooling the air in the vehicle interior. On the other hand, the heating object 5 b includes a vehicle interior and other object to be heated. A demand for the heat energy increases especially in winter for heating the air in the vehicle interior.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 13 a represents a consumption of the cold energy. The consumption 13 a of the cold energy can be obtained by sequentially measuring physical values such as a temperature and a flow rate of the cold energy flowing out of the thermal storage device 1 a toward the cooling object 5 a, and calculating variations of the cold energy per unit of time. On the other hand, reference numeral 13 b represents a consumption of the heat energy. The consumption 13 b of the heat energy can be obtained by measuring physical values such as a temperature and a flow rate of the heat energy flowing out of the thermal storage device 1 b toward the heating object 5 b, and calculating variations of the heat energy per unit of time. Those physical values can be measured by the thermocouple.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 14 represents an amount of heat recovered from a hot member 6. This heat recovering amount 14 can be obtained by measuring a temperature or a flow rate of the heat energy flowing into the heat storage material in the thermal storage device 1 b sequentially, and calculating variations of the measured temperature or flow rate of the heat energy per unit of time. The heat recovering amount 14 thus obtained is indicated.

The thermal energies stored in the thermal storage devices 1 a and 1 b can be converted into electric energies by the thermoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b. Specifically, the cold energy stored in the thermal storage device 1 a is inputted to the thermoelectric element 4 a to be converted into the electric energy, and then, the resultant electric energy is inputted to the thermoelectric element 4 b to be converted partially into a heat energy. The cold energy of the thermal storage device 1 a thus converted into the heat energy is transferred to the thermal storage device 1 b. As a result, an amount of the heat energy stored in the thermal storage device 1 b is increased.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 12 c represents an amount of a recycling amount of the thermal energy, that is, an amount of the cold energy of the thermal storage device 1 b transferred to the thermal storage device 1 a while being converted into the heat energy. The recycling amount 12 c of the cold energy can be obtained by measuring a temperature or a flow rate of the heat energy being transferred to the thermal storage device 1 b sequentially, and calculating variations of the measured temperature or flow rate of the heat energy per unit of time. Thus, the amount of the cold energy transferred to the thermal storage device 1 b from the thermal storage device 1 a while being converted into the heat energy can be acknowledged.

To the contrary, the heat energy stored in the thermal storage device 1 b can also be converted partially into a cold energy through the thermoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b. The cold energy converted from the heat energy of the thermal storage device 1 b is transferred to the thermal storage device 1 a, and as a result, the amount of the cold energy stored in the thermal storage device 1 a is increased. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 12 d represents an amount of a recycling amount of the thermal energy, that is an amount of the heat energy of the thermal storage device 1 b transferred to the thermal storage device 1 a while being converted into the cold energy. The recycling amount 12 d of the heat energy can be obtained by measuring a temperature or a flow rate of the heat energy being transferred to the thermal storage device 1 b sequentially, and calculating variations of the measured temperature or flow rate of the heat energy per unit of time. Thus, the amount of the heat energy transferred to the thermal storage device 1 a from the thermal storage device 1 b while being converted into the cold energy can be acknowledged.

The amount of the cold energy stored in the thermal storage device 1 a, and the amount of the heat energy stored in the thermal storage device 1 b can also be increased by fitting a thermoelectric converter such as a thermoelectric element on each of the thermal storage devices 1 a and 1 b, and applying an electric energy to the thermoelectric converter.

A wind power generation device, a solar power generation device and so on are known as a generation system in the art. Specifically, in the system shown in FIG. 1, a solar power generation device 8 comprising a solar cell is employed as a generator for generating an electric power. The solar power generation device 8 converts solar light into an electric energy, and the resultant electric energy is partially stored in the electric storage device 9. The electric energy thus generated by the solar power generation device 8 is also stored partially in the thermoelectric element 4 c. Consequently, the temperatures of the cold energy and the heat energy stored in the thermal storage devices 1 a and 1 b are changed, and the amounts of the thermal energies stored in the thermal storage devices 1 a and 1 b are thereby increased. An amount of the solar generation 15, that is, an amount of the electric energy generated by the solar power generation device 8 can be obtained by measuring a current or a voltage of the generated electricity sequentially, and calculating variations of the measured current or the voltage of the electricity per unit of time. Thus, the amount of the electric energy generated by the solar power generation device 8 can be acknowledged.

The electric energy generated by the solar power generation device 8 is stored in the electric storage device 9 partially or entirely. In this case, a supplying amount 16 of the electric energy being supplied from the solar power generation device 8 to the electric storage device 9 to be stored is obtained by sequentially measuring a current or a voltage of the electric energy being supplied, and calculating variations of the measured current or the voltage of the electric energy per unit of time. Thus, the amount of the electric energy generated by the solar power generation device 8 and stored in the electric storage device 9 can be acknowledged.

Also, a part of the electric energy generated by the solar power generation device 8 is also supplied to the thermoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b. An amount of the electric energy supplied to the thermoelectric element 4 a or 4 b from the solar power generation device 8 can be obtained by sequentially measuring a current or a voltage of the electric energy being supplied, and calculating variations of the measured current or the voltage of the electric energy per unit of time. Thus, the amount of the electric energy generated by the solar power generation device 8 and supplied to the thermoelectric element 4 a or 4 b can be acknowledged.

The thermoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b perform Seebeck effect thereby generating electricity when a cold energy or a heat energy is applied to the electrode thereof. On the other hand, the thermoelectric element 4 c performs Seebeck effect thereby generating electricity utilizing a temperature difference between a cooled side and a heated side thereof. The electric energies generated by the thermoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b are stored into the electric storage device 9 partially or entirely, and the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric element 4 c is also stored into the electric storage device 9.

In FIG. 1, reference numerals 18 a, 18 b and 18 c individually represent a thermal generation amount of each of the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c, that is, each amount of the electric energy supplied to the electric storage device 9 from the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c. Each of the thermal generation amounts 18 a, 18 b and 18 c can be obtained by sequentially measuring a current or a voltage of each of the electric energies being supplied to the electric storage device 9, and calculating variations of the measured current or the voltage of the electric energy per unit of time. Thus, each amount of the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c and stored in the electric storage device 9 can be acknowledged.

The thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c are adapted to generate an electric power according to a temperature difference. Each generation amount 11 a, 11 b and 11 c of the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c can be obtained by sequentially measuring a current or a voltage of each of the generated electric energy, and calculating variations of the measured current or the voltage of the electric energy per unit of time.

An amount of the electric energy stored in the electric storage device 9 can be obtained by sequentially measuring a current or a voltage of the generated electric energy being stored therein, and calculating variations of the measured current or the voltage of the electric energy per unit of time. Meanwhile, a supplying amount 17 b of the electric energy supplied from the electric storage device 9 to the thermoelectric element 4 c can be obtained by sequentially measuring a current or a voltage of the electric energy being transferred between the electric storage device 9 and the thermoelectric element 4 c, and calculating variations of the measured current or the voltage of the electric energy per unit of time. Thus, the amount of the electric energy being stored in the electric storage device 9, as well as the amount of the electric energy being inputted to the thermoelectric element 4 c can be acknowledged.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a procedure to calculate a thermal energy and an electric energy based on environmental information, thermal energy information and electric energy information to indicate a calculation result, and controlling a thermal recycling amount and generation amounts of the thermal and solar generation on the basis of the calculation result. The calculation result can be indicated not only visually but also aurally and in the form of an electric signal. An example of the procedure of indicating the calculation result by a visual means will be explained hereinafter.

Specifically, the environmental information includes information about an external temperature, solar radiation and so on to be measured using a thermocouple and an actinometer. The thermal energy information includes a recovering amount, a stored amount, consumption and so on of the cold energy and the heat energy, and such information can be obtained by measuring a temperature or a flow rate of the cold or heat energy using a thermocouple or a mass flow meter. The electric energy information includes a recovering amount, a stored amount, consumption and so on of the electric energy, and such information can be obtained by measuring a voltage or a current of the electric energy using a voltmeter or an ammeter.

At step S21, the environmental information, the thermal energy information and the electric energy information are inputted to a processing device. Consequently, an amount of the thermal energy and an amount of the electric energy are calculated on the basis of the inputted information. Then, the calculation results of the amount of the thermal energy and the amount of the electric energy are indicated on an indicator at step S22. Meanwhile, at step S23, control signals according to the calculation results at step S21 are inputted to a control device from the processing device to control an exothermic member, a cooling object, a generation member, and an electricity consuming member. Therefore, the calculation results of the amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing a procedure from a step of reading the environmental information, the thermal energy information and the electric energy information, to a step of indicating an amount of the thermal energy and an amount of the electric energy. First of all, the environmental information, the thermal energy information and the electric energy information are inputted to the processing device at step S31. Then, an amount of the thermal energy and an amount of the electric energy are calculated at step S32 on the basis of the information inputted at step S31. Next, a generation of an electric energy by the photovoltaic generator 8 is judged at step S33.

In case the photovoltaic generator 8 is generating the electric energy, a necessity of a thermal conversion between the cold energy in the thermal storage device 1 a and the heat energy in the thermal storage device 1 b is judged at step S34. The necessity of the thermal conversion between the cold and heat energies is judged by measuring a stored amount of the cold energy in the thermal storage device 1 a and a stored amount of the heat energy in the thermal storage device 1 b. Specifically, a temperature of the cold storage material in the thermal storage device 1 a, and a temperature of the heat storage material in the thermal storage device 1 b are measured. Then, an amount of the cold energy in the thermal storage device 1 a is calculated based on the measured temperature of the cold storage material, and an amount of the heat energy in the thermal storage device 1 b is calculated based on the measured temperature of the heat storage material. Thereafter, the necessity of the thermal conversion between the cold and heat energies is judged on the basis of the calculated amounts of the cold energy and the heat energy.

In case the answer of step S 34 is YES, that is, in case the thermal conversion is necessary, a thermal conversion is carried out at step S35. Specifically, in case an ample amount of the cold energy is stored in the thermal storage 1 a and the amount of the heat energy stored in the thermal storage device 1 b is insufficient, a surplus cold energy is transmitted to the thermoelectric element 4 a from the thermal storage device 1 a to be converted into an electric energy. The converted electric energy is then applied to the thermoelectric element 4 a to be converted into a heat energy. The resultant heat energy is stored in the thermal storage device 1 b. To the contrary, in case an ample amount of the heat energy is stored in the thermal storage 1 b and the amount of the cold energy stored in the thermal storage device 1 a is insufficient, a surplus heat energy is transmitted to the thermoelectric element 4 b from the thermal storage device 1 b to be converted into an electric energy. The converted electric energy is then applied to the thermoelectric element 4 b to be converted into a cold energy. The resultant cold energy is stored in the thermal storage device 1 a. The thermal conversion between the cold energy and the heat energy is thus carried out at step S35. On the other hand, regardless of the judgment of the necessity of thermal conversion at step S34, a necessity to generate an electric energy by creating a temperature difference among the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c, that is, a necessity of thermal generation is judged at step S36. Specifically, at Step S36, a stored amount of the electric energy in the electric storage device 9 is measured, and an amount of surplus electric energy in the electric storage device 9 is judged on the basis of the measurement result.

Meanwhile, the temperatures of the cold storage material of the thermal storage device 1 a and the heat storage material of the thermal storage device 1 b is measured thereby obtaining the cold storage amount and the heat storage amount in the thermal storage devices 1 a and 1 b. Based on the obtained cold storage amount and heat storage amount, the necessity of carrying out a thermal conversion between the cold energy in the thermal storage device 1 a and the heat energy in the thermal storage device 1 b is judged. In case the thermal conversion between the cold energy and the heat energy is necessary, the electric energy supplied to the thermoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b from the electric storage device 9 is measured.

That is, the necessity of the thermal generation is judged at step S36 taking into consideration the electric energy supplied to the thermoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b and the surplus amount of the electric energy stored in the electric storage device 9. In case the thermal generation is necessary so that the answer of step S36 is YES, the routine advances to step S37 to carry out the thermal generation by the thermoelectric elements 4 a and 4 b. Regardless of the necessity of the thermal generation, that is, regardless of the answer of step S36, an amount of electric energy generated by the photovoltaic generator 8, and a consumption of the electric energy are judged at step S38. In case the generation amount of the photovoltaic generator 8 is larger then the current consumption, a surplus electric energy is stored into the electric storage device 9 at step S39. To the contrary, in case the generation amount of the photovoltaic generator 8 is smaller then the current consumption, the electric energy will not be stored.

FIG. 4 is a partial flowchart explaining a procedure of the case in which the photovoltaic generator 8 is not generating electric energy, that is, a procedure of the case in which the answer of step S33 is NO. At step S41, it is judged whether or not the thermal storage devices 1 a and 1 b have a surplus cold energy and the heat energy. In case the thermal storage devices 1 a and 1 b have a surplus cold energy and the heat energy so that the answer of step S41 is YES, the routine advances to step S42 to carry out a thermal generation by the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c.

Then, a necessity of thermal conversion between the cold energy in the thermal storage device 1 a and the heat energy in the thermal storage device 1 b is judged at step S43. In case the answer of step S43 is YES, the thermal conversion between the cold energy in the thermal storage device 1 a and the heat energy in the thermal storage device 1 b is carried out.

An amount of thermal energy converted at step S35, an amount of the electric energy generated at S37, an amount of electric energy stored at S39, an amount of the thermal energy converted at step S44, are individually calculated at step S310 to be indicated in the indicator or to be announced acoustically. Also, each amount of the electric energy and thermal energy of the case in which the answer of the steps S34, S36, S38, S41 and S43 are NO are calculated at step S310 to be indicated in the indicator or to be announced acoustically. Then, the routine is ended.

That is, the amount of the electric energy and the amount of the thermal energy in each element of the thermal storage device are indicated or announce at step S310. Specifically, each status of steps S35, S37, S39, S42 and S44 are indicated in real-time.

More specifically, the aforementioned recycling amount 12 c of the cold energy and the recycling amount 12 d of the heat energy are detected to indicate the status of Step S35. The means detecting the recycling amounts 12 c and 12 d, and the means indicating the recycling amounts 12 c and 12 d corresponds to the thermal exchange amount indicating means of the present invention. Also, an amount of the electric energy supplied to the thermoelectric element 4 c from the electric storage device 9, and an amount of the electric energy supplied to the thermoelectric element 4 c from the photovoltaic generator 8 are detected and indicated in the indicator. The indicating means includes the detecting means and the indicating means.

The aforementioned generation amount 11 a, 11 b and 11 c of the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c are indicated as the status of step S37. Also, the thermal generation amounts 18 d and 18 e, that is, amounts of the electric energies generated by the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c and being transmitted to the thermal storage devices 1 a and 1 b are indicated in the indicator.

The amount of the electric energy being stored in the electric storage device 9 is indicated as the status of step S39. Also, the aforementioned supplying amount 16 of the electric energy generated by the photovoltaic generator 8 and supplied to the electric storage device 9 to be stored is indicated in the indicator. In addition, the aforementioned thermal generation amounts 18 a, 18 b and 18 c, that is, each amount of the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c and supplied to the electric storage device 9 are indicated as the storage amount of the electric storage device 9 by the electric storage amount indicating means.

The recycling amount 12 c of the cold energy and the recycling amount 12 d of the heat energy of the case in which the photovoltaic generator 8 is not generating are indicated as the status of step S42 by the thermal exchange amount indicating means. Also, an amount of the electric energy supplied to the thermoelectric element 4 c from the electric storage device 9, and an amount of the electric energy supplied to the thermoelectric element 4 c from the photovoltaic generator 8 are indicated by the electric storage amount indicating means.

The generation amount 11 a, 11 b and 11 c of the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c are indicated as the status of step S44 by the electric storage amount indicating means. Also, the thermal generation amounts 18 d and 18 e, that is, amounts of the electric energies generated by the thermoelectric elements 4 a, 4 b and 4 c and being transmitted to the electric storage device 9 are indicated by the electric storage amount indicating means.

Regardless of the judgment at the judging steps, some of the amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy being measured are indicated. Specifically, the cold storage amount 2 a and the heat storage amount 2 b are indicated by the thermal storage amount indicating means. Also, the heat recovering amount 14, the recovered amount 7 a of the cold energy and the recovered amount 7 b of the heat energy are indicated by the thermal input amount indicating means. Moreover, the consumption 13 a of the cold energy and the consumption 13 b of the heat energy are indicated by the thermal output amount indicating means. Further, the generating amount of the photovoltaic generator 8, and the energy feeding amounts 10 a and 10 b are indicated by the electric storage amount indicating means.

Here, an indicator, in which a plurality of segments juxtaposed to each other is sequentially turned on and off, can be used to indicate a change in the thermal or electrical energy. Meanwhile, an undivided indicator, such as a bar or circle shaped indicator for indicating a change in the thermal or electrical energy by changing a length of the bar or an internal area, or changing a color of an indicated content, can also be used as the indicator of the present invention. In case of announcing the status of the thermal or electric energy aurally, the change in the energy can be announced by changing a volume or tone of the sound according to the change. In case of announcing the status of the thermal or electric energy vibrationally, the change in the energy can be announced by changing a frequency or period of the vibration according to the change.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing procedure of predicting an optimum control amount for carrying out a control to improve a fuel economy of the vehicle (as will be called ECO-driving hereinafter), on the basis of driving information, environmental information, navigation information, infrastructural information, thermal energy information, and electric energy information. As shown in FIG. 5, the prediction result is indicated in the indicator.

The driving information, specifically, a vehicle speed is measured by a speed sensor, and a shift position is detected by a detection sensor arranged in the vicinity of a gear. The environmental information such as an external temperature and an amount of solar radiation are measured by a thermocouple, insolation calculator or the like. The navigation information such as inclination, condition etc. of a road are detected with reference to a position information measured by a Global Positioning System (GPS hereinafter). The infrastructural information such as traffic information, signal information, speed limit and so on are also obtained by the GPS. The thermal energy information such as a recovering amount, storage amount, consumption of the cold and heat energies are obtained by measuring a temperature or flow rate of the cold and heat energies by a thermocouple, a mass flow meter and so on. The electric energy information such as a recovering amount, storage amount, consumption of the electric energy are obtained by measuring a voltage and a current of the electric energy by a voltmeter and an ammeter.

At step S51, predicted optimum values of the thermal and the electric energies under the ECO-driving are calculated on the basis of the driving information, the environmental information, the navigation information, the infrastructural information, the thermal energy information, and the electric energy information. The calculated values are indicated in the indicator at Step S52. Meanwhile, at step S53, the exothermic member, the cooling object, the generation member, and the electricity consuming member are controlled on the basis of the calculation result.

FIG. 6 shows one example of the indicator indicating a current amount of the thermal energy in the thermal storage device 1 a or 1 b, or a current amount of the electric energy in the electric storage device 9. In addition, predicted optimum amounts of the thermal and the electric energies under the ECO-driving are also indicated in the indicator. Here, the amount of the cold energy and the amount of the heat energy may be indicated by separated indicators. For example, the indicators shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are adapted to indicate an amount of the energy by changing the indicated content visually and sequentially. On the other hand, the indicator shown in FIG. 6 (c) is adapted to indicate temporal change in the amount of the energy by changing an area of an indication bar sequentially. Thus, the current amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy, as well as the predicted optimum amounts thereof under the ECO-driving are indicated.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart explaining a procedure of obtaining the amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy, and the predicted optimum amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy under the ECO-driving, on the basis of the driving information, the environmental information, the navigation information, the infrastructural information, the thermal energy information, and the electric energy information. The obtained values are to be indicated.

Specifically, the driving information, the environmental information, the navigation information, the infrastructural information, the thermal energy information, and the electric energy information are inputted to the processing device at step S71. Then, at step S72, the amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy, and the predicted optimum amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy under the ECO-driving are calculated on the basis of the inputted information. The calculated predicted amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy under an optimum ECO-driving are indicated at step S73.

The predicted optimum amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy under the ECO-driving are calculated with reference to a map based on an experimental result. Specifically, FIG. 8 is map for setting the optimum storage amount of the cold energy in accordance with the external temperature and the amount of solar radiation. In case the amount of solar radiation is large and the external temperature is thereby raised, demand for cooling the vehicle interior is raised according to the temperature rise. Therefore, as can be seen from the map shown in FIG. 8, the larger amount of the cold energy is stored in case the amount of the solar radiation is large so that external temperature is high.

FIG. 9 is a map for setting the optimum storage amount of the heat energy in accordance with the external temperature and the amount of solar radiation. In case the amount of solar radiation is small and the external temperature is therefore low, demand for heating the vehicle interior is raised according to decline of temperature. Therefore, as can be seen from the map shown in FIG. 9, the larger amount of the heat energy is stored in case the amount of the solar radiation is small so that the external temperature is low.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing procedure of predicting an optimum control amount for carrying out the ECO-driving, on the basis of driving information, environmental information, navigation information, infrastructural information, thermal energy information, electric energy information, and control mode information. As shown in FIG. 10, the prediction result is indicated in the indicator. As described, the driving information, specifically, a vehicle speed is measured by a speed sensor, and a shift position is detected by a detection sensor arranged in the vicinity of a gear.

The environmental information such as an external temperature and an amount of solar radiation are measured by a thermocouple, insolation calculator or the like. The navigation information such as inclination, condition etc. of a road are detected with reference to a position information measured by the GPS. The infrastructural information such as traffic information, signal information, speed limit and so on are also obtained by the GPS. The thermal energy information such as a recovering amount, storage amount, consumption of the cold and heat energies are obtained by measuring a temperature or flow rate of the cold and heat energies by a thermocouple, a mass flow meter and so on. The electric energy information such as a recovering amount, storage amount, consumption of the electric energy are obtained by measuring a voltage and a current of the electric energy by a voltmeter and an ammeter. The control mode information, that is, information of the mode to control the fuel consumption of the vehicle is obtained by an input signal from a switch or the like.

At step S101, predicted optimum values of the thermal and the electric energies under each control mode are calculated on the basis of the driving information, the environmental information, the navigation information, the infrastructural information, the thermal energy information, the electric energy information, and the control mode information. The calculated values are indicated in the indicator at Step S102. Meanwhile, at step S103, the exothermic member, the cooling object, the generation member, and the electricity consuming member are controlled on the basis of the calculation result.

Switches for switching the control mode is shown in FIG. 11. The control mode can be selected from power mode, normal mode, ECO mode, and auto mode. Specifically, the power mode is a mode for generating comparatively high droving force; the normal mode is a mode for balancing the driving force and the fuel economy; the ECO mode is a mode for improving the fuel economy; and the auto mode is a mode for controlling the driving force and the fuel economy on the basis of the driving information or the like.

For example, the switch shown in FIG. 11 (a) comprises buttons for selecting the control mode by pushing or touching one of the buttons lined up horizontally. Amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy are predicted on the basis of the selected one of the power mode, the normal mode, the ECO mode, and the auto mode.

FIG. 11 (b) shows another arrangement of the buttons. The control mode is selected from the power mode, the normal mode, the ECO mode, and the auto mode by pressing one of the buttons, and amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy are predicted on the basis of the selected control mode.

FIG. 11 (c) shows a rotary switch for switching the control mode among the power mode, the normal mode, the ECO mode, and the auto mode by rotating the switch. Amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy are predicted on the basis of the selected control mode.

FIG. 11 (d) shows an example of selecting the control mode by a shift lever. In this case, the control mode is selected from the power mode, the normal mode, the ECO mode, and the auto mode by moving the shift lever, and amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy are predicted on the basis of the selected control mode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining a procedure of obtaining the amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy, and the predicted optimum amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy under the selected control mode, on the basis of the driving information, the environmental information, the navigation information, the infrastructural information, the thermal energy information, the electric energy information, and the control mode information. The obtained values are to be indicated.

First of all, the driving information, the environmental information, the navigation information, the infrastructural information, the thermal energy information, the electric energy information, and the control mode information are inputted to the processing device at step S121. Then, at steps S123 to S126, predictive coefficients are set according to the selected control mode. Specifically, in case the power mode is selected, the coefficient α is set at step S123, in case the normal mode is selected, the coefficient β is set at step S124, in case the ECO mode is selected, the coefficient γ is set at step S125, and in case the ECO mode is selected, the coefficient δ is set at step 5126. Then, at step S127, the predicted optimum amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy under the selected control mode are calculated with reference to the maps shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the predictive coefficient α, β, γ or δ. The calculated predicted amounts of the thermal energy and the electric energy are indicated at step S128. 

1. A thermal storage device capable of storing and outputting heat energy and cold energy, comprising: a thermal storage amount indicating means for detecting and indicating a storage amount of the heat energy or the cold energy; a thermal output amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an output amount of the heat energy or the cold energy; a thermal input amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an amount of the heat energy or the cold energy inputted from outside to be stored; a heat storage portion for storing the heat energy; a cold storage portion for storing the cold energy; and a thermal exchange amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an amount of the heat energy or the cold energy exchanged between the heat storage portion and the cold storage portion.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The thermal storage device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: an output part for outputting contents to be indicated by the thermal storage amount notifying means, the thermal output amount notifying means and the thermal input amount notifying means, visually, aurally or electrically.
 4. The thermal storage device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a thermal output means for outputting the stored heat energy or cold energy while converting into electric energy; and wherein the thermal output amount indicating means includes a means for indicating an amount of the heat energy or cold energy converted into the electric energy by the thermal output means.
 5. The thermal storage device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a thermal input means converting electric energy inputted thereto into cold energy or heat energy; and wherein the thermal input amount indicating means includes a means for indicating an amount of converting the electric energy into the thermal energy by the thermal input means.
 6. The thermal storage device as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the thermal exchange takes place between the heat storage portion and the cold storage portion as a result of applying electric energy to the thermal input means; the electric energy includes the electric energy stored in an electric storage device; and the thermal storage device further comprises an electric storage amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an amount of the electric power stored in the electric storage device.
 7. The thermal storage device as set forth in claim 1, wherein: at least any one of the thermal storage amount indicating means, the thermal output amount indicating means, the thermal input amount indicating means and the thermal exchange amount indicating means includes a means for predicting an amount of generation of heat energy and cold energy, a consumption of the heat energy and the cold energy, or a difference between the generation and the consumption under an anticipated driving condition of a vehicle, and for indicating a prediction result.
 8. The thermal storage device as set forth in claim 6, wherein: the electric storage amount notifying means includes a means for predicting an amount of electric energy stored into the electric storage device or a difference between a stored amount and consumption of the electric energy under an anticipated driving condition of a vehicle, and for indicating a prediction result.
 9. The thermal storage device as set forth in claim 7, wherein: the electric storage amount notifying means includes a means for predicting an amount of electric energy stored into the electric storage device or a difference between a stored amount and consumption of the electric energy under an anticipated driving condition of a vehicle, and for indicating a prediction result. 